Pat Rayment admits that he’s done a bit of soul searching over the close season.
The Spalding United supremo has been busy assembling a squad that he considers “young, hungry and exciting” ahead of another season in Evo-Stik League First Division South.
By his own admission, Rayment is famed in local circles for his hot and cold methods. Indeed, he’s been known to publically hammer his own side just weeks after calling them the best in the league.
He’s promised to be more understanding with his new-look side – and reckons he’s got his best Tulips squad yet.
Rayment said: “I’ve had to have a look at myself a bit this summer.
“I think, perhaps, it’s time I changed my style of management.
“In my time at Spalding, I’ve always been a manager that praises my side – while also being very hard on the players when they haven’t delivered what I expect.
“That’s mainly been because we’ve had a lot of established players that have been collecting a very good wage from the club.
“Things have changed a lot over the summer and we’ve now got a lot of young and hungry players that probably wouldn’t respond as well to that approach.
“It’s going to be a new experience for me, but one I’m looking forward to.
“We’re going to place a lot of faith in this young team. The fact I’m willing to be a different type of manager with them shows that. They’ll need the backing of myself and the coaching staff, so I’ll have to curb some of my instincts.
“I’m excited by the ability we have at our disposal.
“On paper, this is the strongest-looking squad I’ve had in my time here.”
Spalding are due back in pre-season training on July 2. They’ve made two changes to their friendly schedule, with the games against Deeping Rangers and King’s Lynn Town now off.
Instead, they’ll now host St Ives Town on August 1 (3pm) and visit Farsley Celtic on August 8 (3pm).
The Tulips have also added a date to their schedule, with Brett Whaley’s Wisbech Town to host them on Saturday, July 11 (3pm).
